We are an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the history, culture and true lives of Romani people worldwide.
We confront racism and oppression wherever we encounter it.
We try to make connections with all the "isms" that make up western culture.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

THAT OLD TRICK

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES

World Briefing

EUROPE

France: Replacement Directive Omits Word ‘Roma’

By SCOTT SAYARE
Published: September 13, 2010

Following revelations that French officials had been ordered to specifically single out ethnic Roma in an continuing security campaign, Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux on Monday signed a replacement directive in which the word “Roma” does not appear. The ministry gave no explanation for the change, but humanitarian groups and opposition politicians had denounced prior Interior Ministry documents, made public last weekend, as racist and potentially illegal. Amid international outcry, Immigration Minister Éric Besson, above, had made repeated assurances that no French measures had been aimed specifically at the Roma. On Monday, Mr. Besson said he had not been aware of the Interior Ministry order to the contrary. In August, the French government began publicizing the destruction of illegal Roma camps and the ensuing deportations.

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FLAG OF THE ROMA

LOLO DIKLO : RrOMANI AGAINST RACISM

Lolo Diklo : Rromani Against Racism is an organization dedicated to providing information about the true situation of the Romani (Gypsies) in the world today. We are committed to confronting racism and oppression wherever it is found.

BACKGROUND

The Romani are a people who are not very well known. We are an ethnic group of people originally from India. We left India and arrived in Europe sometime in the 1300's. There are many theories as to why we left India. This is the work of academics, and we have some. Most Romani are more concerned about daily survival to worry about documentation of our past. We know who we are.

What is known about the Romani is, for the most part, stereotypically based. We are portrayed as romantic, carefree wonderers or child stealers, pick pockets and beggers.

Today the Romani of Europe face the same discrimination they have faced for centuries.